Lady Bustamante with Sir Alexander Bustamante, who died in 1977. Lady Bustamante celebrated her 96th birthday on Saturday, March 8. - Contributed

On Saturday, March 8 (International Women's Day), Lady Bustamante celebrated her 96th birthday.

This is quite fitting for this stately and humble being, who is a defender of women's rights, as exemplified in her steadfast stance for port workers in 1938, alongside Alexander Bustamante.

Affectionately called 'Lady B', she is the widow of National Hero, the Rt Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante, who was head of the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union, leader of the Jamaica Labour Party and the first prime minister of independent Jamaica in 1962.

Lifelong friend of Lady Bustamante, Seragh Lakersingh, in an interview with JIS News, speaks of her humility.

"Humility is the hallmark of her life. Even at the helm of the country, she remained humble. She was never swayed by positions and status; she was easily accessible."

Born Gladys Longbridge in 1912, she hails from Westmorland.